System for separating solids from a fluid stream

ABSTRACT

A system for separating solids from a fluid includes a containment vessel having a V-shaped tank in fluid communication with an agitated overflow tank. Baffles within the V-shaped tank provide a series of zones where the fluid is deposited for processing. A shaftless auger at the bottom of the V-shaped tank transfers solids to an area where they are pumped to a first hydrocyclone assembly associated with a first shaker. Overflow from the hydrocyclone assembly and underflow from the first shaker is further processed by a second hydrocyclone assembly associated with a second shaker. Overflow from the second hydrocyclone assembly and underflow from the second shaker are deposited into overflow tank which contains the cleaned fluid.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/559,196, filed on Sep. 15, 2017, which isincorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to systems and methods for separatingsolids from a fluid stream.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present invention is drawn to a system for separating solids from afluid stream. The system may comprise a containment vessel having afront sidewall, a rear sidewall, a left sidewall, and a right sidewall.The containment vessel may include an open top and a closed bottom. Thecontainment vessel may be divided by an overflow weir into a processingtank and an overflow tank. The overflow weir may extend from the bottomof the vessel to the top of the vessel and contain an opening so that aclean fluid substantially free of solids contained within the overflowtank may flow through the opening and into the processing tank. Theprocessing tank may have a V-shape.

The processing tank may include a shaftless auger operatively positionedat the bottom of the vessel and extending substantially the entirelength of the processing tank. The auger may be configured to rotate ina direction that transports solids collected at the bottom of theprocessing tank towards the front sidewall of the vessel. The processingtank may include a desilted mud zone defined by the overflow weir and afirst underflow baffle operatively positioned transverse to the left andright sides of the vessel and extending from the top of the vessel to apoint above the bottom of the vessel. The processing tank may include adesanded mud zone defined by the first underflow baffle and a secondunderflow baffle operatively positioned transverse to the left and rightsides of the vessel and extending from the top of the vessel to a pointabove the bottom of the vessel. The processing tank may include a sandtrap zone defined by the second under flow baffle and a third underflowbaffle operatively positioned transverse to the left and right sides ofthe vessel and extending from the top of the vessel to a point above thebottom of the vessel. The processing tank may include a degasser mudzone defined by the third underflow baffle and the front sidewall of thevessel.

The system may include a scalping shaker operatively positioned abovethe top of the vessel over the sand trap zone of the processing tank.The scalping shaker may be configured to receive a first fluidcontaining solids and to process the first fluid containing solids topartially separate solids from the fluid and to produce a firstunderflow fluid containing solids that is deposited into the sand trapzone of the processing tank.

The system may include a first linear shaker operatively positionedabove the top of the vessel over the desanded mud zone of the processingtank.

The system may include a first hydrocyclone assembly operativelypositioned above the first linear shaker. The first hydrocycloneassembly may be configured to receive a second fluid containing solidspumped from the degassed mud zone and to process the second fluidcontaining solids to partially separate solids from the fluid and toproduce a first overflow fluid containing solids that is deposited intothe desanded mud zone of the processing tank and a second underflowfluid containing solids that is deposited onto the first linear shakerfor processing to partially separate solids from the fluid and toproduce a third underflow fluid containing solids that is deposited intothe desanded mud zone of the processing tank.

The system may include a second linear shaker operatively positionedabove the top of the vessel partially over the desilted mud zone of theprocessing tank and partially over the overflow tank.

The system may include a second hydrocyclone assembly operativelypositioned above the second linear shaker. The second hydrocycloneassembly may be configured to receive a third fluid containing solidspumped from the desanded mud zone of the processing tank and to processthe third fluid containing solids to separate solids from the fluid andto produce an overflow fluid comprising the clean fluid substantiallyfree of solids that is deposited into the overflow tank and a fourthunderflow fluid containing solids that is deposited onto the secondlinear shaker for processing to separate solids from the fluid and toproduce an underflow comprising the clean fluid substantially free ofsolids that is deposited into the overflow tank.

In another embodiment of the system, the first and second underflowbaffles may be slanted in the direction towards the front sidewall ofthe vessel and the third baffle may be slanted in the direction towardsthe rear sidewall of the vessel.

In another embodiment of the system, the overflow tank may include anagitator to maintain fine solids in suspension within the clean fluidsubstantially free of solids contained within the overflow tank.

In another embodiment of the system, the overflow tank may include anoutlet for flow of the clean fluid substantially free of solids from theoverflow tank to a rig tank.

In another embodiment of the system, the first hydrocyclone assembly mayinclude four 10 inch hydrocyclones equipped with 1 inch-2¼ inch apexesand the second hydrocyclone assembly includes fourteen 4 inchhydrocyclones equipped with 10 mm-30 mm inch apexes.

In another embodiment of the system, the system may further comprise asecond scalping shaker operatively positioned above the top of thevessel over the sand trap zone of the processing tank. The secondscalping shaker may be configured to receive the first fluid containingsolids and to process the first fluid containing solids to partiallyseparate solids from the fluid and to produce a fifth underflow fluidcontaining solids that is deposited into the sand trap zone of theprocessing tank.

In another embodiment of the system, the processing tank may furtherinclude a degasser suction zone defined by a pair of spaced apartbaffles each operatively positioned transverse to the left and rightsides of the vessel and extending from the top of the vessel to a pointabove the bottom of the vessel. The system may further comprise adegasser unit configured to receive a gas cut fluid suctioned from thedegasser suction zone. The degasser unit processes the gas cut fluid toremove a gas from the gas cut fluid to produce a substantially gas freefluid that is deposited into the degassed mud zone of the processingtank. The system may also include an eductor configured to receive andpump a processed fluid from the desilted mud zone of the processing tankand to produce a suction force causing the degasser unit to receive thegas cut fluid from the degasser suction zone.

In another embodiment of the system, the system may further comprise afirst perforated possum belly operatively positioned at the top of thevessel within the desanded mud zone of the processing tank. The firstperforated possum belly may be configured to receive the first overflowfluid containing solids from the first hydrocyclone assembly and touniformly distribute the first overflow containing solids within thedesanded mud zone of the processing tank. The system may also include asecond perforated possum belly operatively positioned at the top of thevessel within the degassed mud zone of the processing tank. The secondperforated possum belly may be configured to receive the substantiallygas free fluid from the degasser unit and to uniformly distribute thesubstantially gas free fluid within the degassed mud zone of theprocessing tank.

In yet another embodiment of the system, the system for separatingsolids from a fluid stream may comprise a frame assembly including abottom skid frame and an upper platform interconnected by a plurality ofvertical support posts. The system may include a containment vesseloperatively supported by the bottom skid frame. The containment vesselmay have a front sidewall, a rear sidewall, a left sidewall, and a rightsidewall. The containment vessel may include an open top and a closedbottom. The containment vessel may be divided by an overflow weir into aprocessing tank and an overflow tank. The overflow weir may extend fromthe bottom of the vessel to the top of the vessel and may contain anopening so that a clean fluid substantially free of solids containedwithin the overflow tank may flow through the opening and into theprocessing tank. The processing tank may have a V-shape.

In this embodiment of the system, the processing tank may include ashaftless auger operatively positioned at the bottom of the vessel andextending substantially the entire length of the processing tank. Theauger may be configured to rotate in a direction that transports solidscollected at the bottom of the processing tank towards the frontsidewall of the vessel. The processing tank may include a desilted mudzone defined by the overflow weir and a first underflow baffleoperatively positioned transverse to the left and right sides of thevessel and extending from the top of the vessel to a point above thebottom of the vessel. The processing tank may include a desanded mudzone defined by the first underflow baffle and a second underflow baffleoperatively positioned transverse to the left and right sides of thevessel and extending from the top of the vessel to a point above thebottom of the vessel. The processing tank may include a sand trap zonedefined by the second under flow baffle and a third underflow baffleoperatively positioned transverse to the left and right sides of thevessel and extending from the top of the vessel to a point above thebottom of the vessel. The processing tank may include a degassed mudzone defined by the third underflow baffle and the front sidewall of thevessel.

In this embodiment of the system, a first scalping shaker may beoperatively supported by the upper platform. The first scalping shakermay be operatively positioned above the top of the vessel over the sandtrap zone of the processing tank. The scalping shaker may be configuredto receive a first fluid containing solids and to process the firstfluid containing solids to partially separate solids from the fluid andto produce a first underflow fluid containing solids that is depositedinto the sand trap zone of the processing tank.

In this embodiment of the system, a first linear shaker may beoperatively supported by the upper platform. The first linear shaker maybe operatively positioned above the top of the vessel over the desandedmud zone of the processing tank.

In this embodiment of the system, a first hydrocyclone assembly may beoperatively positioned above the first linear shaker. The firsthydrocyclone assembly may be configured to receive a second fluidcontaining solids pumped from the degassed mud zone and to process thesecond fluid containing solids to partially separate solids from thefluid and to produce a first overflow fluid containing solids that isdeposited into the desanded mud zone of the processing tank and a secondunderflow fluid containing solids that is deposited onto the firstlinear shaker for processing to partially separate solids from the fluidand to produce a third underflow fluid containing solids that isdeposited into the desanded mud zone of the processing tank.

In this embodiment of the system, a second linear shaker may beoperatively supported by the upper platform. The second linear shakermay be operatively positioned above the top of the vessel partially overthe desilted mud zone of the processing tank and partially over theoverflow tank.

In this embodiment of the system, a second hydrocyclone assembly may beoperatively positioned above the second linear shaker. The secondhydrocyclone assembly may be configured to receive a third fluidcontaining solids pumped from the desanded zone of the processing tankand to process the third fluid containing solids to separate solids fromthe fluid and to produce an overflow fluid comprising the clean fluidsubstantially free of solids that is deposited into the overflow tankand a fourth underflow fluid containing solids that is deposited ontothe second linear shaker for processing to separate solids from thefluid and to produce an underflow comprising the clean fluidsubstantially free of solids that is deposited into the overflow tank.

In yet another embodiment of this system, the system may furthercomprise a second scalping shaker operatively supported by the upperplatform. The second scalping shaker may be operatively positioned abovethe top of the vessel over the sand trap zone of the processing tank.The second scalping shaker may be configured to receive the first fluidcontaining solids and to process the first fluid containing solids topartially separate solids from the fluid and to produce a fifthunderflow fluid containing solids that is deposited into the sand trapzone of the processing tank.

In yet another embodiment of this system, the processing tank mayfurther include a degasser suction zone defined by a pair of spacedapart baffles each operatively positioned transverse to the left andright sides of the vessel and extending from the top of the vessel to apoint above the bottom of the vessel. This system may further comprise adegasser unit operatively supported by the upper platform. The degasserunit may be configured to receive a gas cut fluid suctioned from thedegasser suction zone. The degasser unit may process the gas cut fluidto remove a gas from the gas cut fluid to produce a substantially gasfree fluid. This system may also include an eductor configured toreceive and pump a processed fluid from the desilted mud zone of theprocessing tank and to produce a suction force causing the degasser unitto receive the gas cut fluid from the degasser suction zone.

In yet another embodiment of this system, the system may furthercomprise a first perforated possum belly operatively positioned at thetop of the vessel within the desanded mud zone of the processing tank.The first perforated possum belly may be configured to receive the firstoverflow fluid containing solids from the first hydrocyclone assemblyand to uniformly distribute the first overflow containing solids withinthe desanded mud zone of the processing tank. This embodiment may alsoinclude a second perforated possum belly operatively positioned at thetop of the vessel within the degassed mud zone of the processing tank.The second perforated possum belly may be configured to receive thesubstantially gas free fluid from the degasser unit and to uniformlydistribute the substantially gas free fluid within the degassed mud zoneof the processing tank.

In yet another embodiment of this system, the system may furthercomprise a stair assembly operatively connected to the upper platform toprovide an operator access to the upper platform.

In yet another embodiment of this system, the system may furthercomprise a railing substantially extending around a periphery of theupper platform.

In yet another embodiment of this system, the system may furthercomprise a roof operatively connected to the upper platform by aplurality of vertical support posts. The roof may be configured to bedetachable from the upper platform.

In yet another embodiment of this system, the vertical support postsconnecting the roof to the upper platform are configured to betelescoping to permit the raising and lower of the vertical supportposts relative to the upper platform.

In yet another embodiment of this system, the system may furthercomprise a control room containing equipment to operate the containmentvessel, the scalping shaker, the first linear shaker, the firsthydrocyclone assembly, the second linear shaker, the second hydrocycloneassembly, or any combination thereof.

In yet another embodiment of this system, the system may furthercomprise a monitoring station positioned on the upper platformcontaining a display screen to operate or monitor the functioning of thesystem.

In yet another embodiment of this system, the upper platform maycomprise a plurality of individual platforms and wherein the scalpingshaker, the first linear shaker, and the second linear shaker are eachsupported by one of the plurality of individual platforms.

The present invention is also drawn to a method of separating solidsfrom a fluid stream. The method may comprise the step of providing anembodiment of the solids separation system as described above. Themethod may include the step of rotating the shaftless auger to transportthe solids collected at the bottom of the processing tank towards to thefront sidewall of the vessel. The method may include the step ofreceiving the first fluid containing solids in the scalping shaker. Themethod may include the step of causing the scalping shaker to processthe first fluid containing solids to partially separate solids from thefluid and to produce the first underflow fluid containing solids. Themethod may include the step of depositing the first underflow fluidcontaining solids into the sand trap zone of the processing tank. Themethod may include the step of pumping the second fluid containingsolids from the degassed mud zone to the first hydrocyclone assembly.The method may include the step of causing the first hydrocycloneassembly to process the second fluid containing solids to partiallyseparate solids from the fluid and to produce the first overflowcontaining solids and the second underflow fluid containing solids. Themethod may include the step of depositing the first overflow containingsolids into the desanded mud zone of the processing tank. The method mayinclude the step of depositing the second underflow fluid containingsolids onto the first linear shaker. The method may include the step ofcausing the first linear shaker to process the second underflow fluidcontaining solids to partially separate solids from the fluid and toproduce a third underflow fluid containing solids. The method mayinclude the step of depositing the third underflow fluid containingsolids into the desanded mud zone. The method may include the step ofpumping the third fluid containing solids from the desanded mud zone ofthe processing tank to the second hydrocyclone assembly. The method mayinclude the step of causing the second hydrocyclone assembly to processthe third fluid containing solids to separate solids from the fluid andto produce the overflow fluid comprising the clean fluid substantiallyfree of solids and the fourth underflow fluid containing solids. Themethod may include the step of depositing the overflow fluid comprisingthe clean fluid substantially free of solids into the overflow tank. Themethod may include the step of depositing the fourth underflow fluidcontaining solids onto the second linear shaker. The method may includethe step of causing the second linear shaker to process the fourthunderflow fluid containing solids to separate solids from the fluid andto the underflow fluid comprising the clean fluid substantially free ofsolids. The method may include the step of depositing the underflowfluid comprising the clean fluid substantially free of solids into theoverflow tank.

In another embodiment of the method, the overflow tank includes anagitator and the method may further comprise the step of activating theagitator to maintain finer solids in suspension within the clean fluidsubstantially free of solids contained within the overflow tank.

In another embodiment of the method, the overflow tank includes anoutlet and the method may further comprise the step of flowing the cleanfluid substantially free of solids contained within the overflow tankthrough the outlet and to a rig tank.

In another embodiment of the method, the solids separation systemfurther comprises a second scalping shaker operatively positioned abovethe top of the vessel over the sand trap zone of the processing tank,the second scalping shaker configured to receive the first fluidcontaining solids and to process the first fluid containing solids topartially separate solids from the fluid and to produce a fifthunderflow fluid containing solids that is deposited into the sand trapzone of the processing tank, the method may further comprise the stepsof: receiving the first fluid containing solids in the second scalpingshaker; causing the second scalping shaker to process the first fluidcontaining solids to partially separate solids from the fluid and toproduce the fifth underflow fluid containing solids; depositing thefifth underflow fluid containing solids into the sand trap zone of theprocessing tank.

In another embodiment of the method, the first fluid containing solidscomprises a gas cut fluid and wherein the processing tank furtherincludes a degasser suction zone defined by a pair of spaced apartbaffles each operatively positioned transverse to the left and rightsides of the vessel and extending from the top of the vessel to a pointabove the bottom of the vessel, and the solids separation system furthercomprises: a degasser unit configured to receive the gas cut fluidsuctioned from the degasser suction zone, the degasser unit processingthe gas cut fluid to remove a gas from the gas cut fluid to produce asubstantially gas free fluid that is deposited into the degassed mudzone of the processing tank; an eductor configured to receive and pump aprocessed fluid from the desilted mud zone of the processing tank and toproduce a suction force causing the degasser unit to receive the gas cutfluid from the degasser suction zone, the method may further comprisethe steps of: pumping the processed fluid from the desilted mud zone ofthe processing tank to the eductor; causing the eductor to produce asuction force that causes the degasser unit to receive the gas cut fluidfrom the degasser suction zone of the processing tank; processing thegas cut fluid within the degasser unit to produce a substantially gasfree fluid; pumping the substantially gas free fluid from the degasserunit to the degassed mud zone of the processing tank.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective left side view of the system.

FIG. 2 is a perspective right side view of the system.

FIG. 3 is a left side view of the system.

FIG. 4 is a right side view of the system.

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional top view of the system taken alonglines 5-5 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional top view of the system taken alonglines 6-6 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional top view of the system taken alonglines 7-7 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the system taken alonglines 8-8 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the system.

FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of a linear shaker.

FIG. 11A is a left-side perspective view of a linear shaker bedpositioned above the overflow weir.

FIG. 11B is a front cross-sectional view of the linear shaker bed andoverflow weir shown in FIG. 11A.

FIG. 11C is a right-side perspective view of the linear shaker bed andoverflow weir shown in FIG. 11A.

FIG. 11D is a top view of the linear shaker bed shown in FIG. 11A.

FIG. 12 is a schematic representation of the system.

FIG. 13 is side view of an embodiment of the upper platform.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the figures where like elements have been given likenumerical designation to facilitate an understanding of the invention,and particularly with reference to the embodiment of the inventionillustrated in FIGS. 1-4, system 10 may include frame assembly 12supporting the components of system 10. Frame assembly 12 may includebottom skid frame 14 and upper platform 16 that are interconnected by aseries of vertical support posts 18 on the left and right sides of frameassembly 12. Bottom skid frame 14 provides support for system 10 whenpositioned on the ground surface or other surface (e.g. trailer bedsurface of a truck when system 10 is being transported to or from a worksite). Upper platform 16 may include railing 20 extending substantiallyaround the outer periphery thereof for safety of personnel accessingupper platform 16. Stair assembly 22 may be detachably affixed to thefront end of upper platform 16 to provide a means for personnel to gainaccess to upper platform 16. One embodiment of frame assembly 12 has anopen top. Another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, includes roof 24 thatprovides protection from the elements (e.g. rain) for the equipment ofsystem 10 and the personnel operating the equipment. Roof 24 furtherkeeps rain from mixing with oil based mud processed in system 10. Roof24 may be affixed to upper platform 16 by a series of vertical supportsposts 26 interconnecting roof 24 to upper platform 16. Roof 24 may bedetachable from upper platform 16 so that it may be disconnected fromframe assembly 12 during transport of system 10 and detachably connectedto upper platform 16 when system 10 is positioned at the job site foroperational use. Vertical support posts 26 may be telescoping so thatroof 24 may be raised and lowered relative to upper platform 16.Vertical support posts 26 may be raised for its operational position andlowered for transport of system 10. Frame assembly 12 may be constructedof any durable material such as metal (e.g. steel). The component partsof frame assembly 12 (e.g. bottom skid frame 14, vertical support posts18, upper platform 16, vertical support posts 26, roof 24, and stairassembly 22) may be connected together and to each other by any suitablemeans, as for example, welding or assembling by bolts, nuts, screws,rivets, or the like.

With further reference to FIGS. 1-4, system 10 may include containmentvessel 28 supported in and by bottom skid frame 14. Containment vessel28 may include longitudinally extending processing tank 30 (which may beV-shaped) in fluid communication with agitated overflow tank 32 (whichmay be rectangularly shaped). Processing tank 30 and overflow tank 32may each have an open top configured to receive underflow from one ormore shakers operationally positioned above processing tank 30 andoverflow tank 32. Processing tank 30 may hold a fluid volume of about217 bbl with the fluid level about 12 inches from top 112 of tank 30.Overflow tank 32 may hold a fluid volume of about 102 bbl with the fluidlevel about 12 inches from top 112 of tank 32. The dimensions of vessel28 may varying depending on operational parameters and location (e.g.land versus offshore application). As an example, vessel 28 may have aheight of about 8 feet, a length of about 48 feet, and a width at top112 of about 10 feet. Vessel 28 is configured to be transported to andfrom a work site, by, for example, being hauled on a flatbed trailer.Vessel 28 may be constructed of any durable material such as metal(steel) or hardened plastic or polymer material.

Also seen in FIGS. 1-4, system 10 may incorporate shakers 34, 36 inoperative position above the forward section of tank 30. Shakers 34, 36are supported above the forward section of tank 30 by upper platform 16.Shakers 34, 36 may be scalping shakers configured to receive drillingmud either directly from a drilling rig or from a storage tank throughflowline inlet 38. Shakers 34, 36 may each have approximately 50 ft.² ofscreening area and may be equipped with 0.65 mm polyurethane screenpanels. Shakers 34, 36 are commercially available from DEL Corporationunder the trade name DELineator 5000 Scalping Shakers.

As also seen in FIGS. 1-4, system 10 may include shaker 40 supported byand operatively positioned on upper platform 16 above the rearwardsection of tank 30. Shaker 40 may be a linear shaker. Shaker 40 may haveabout 50 ft.² of screening area and may be equipped one or more screenpanels sized with 1 to 400 mesh screens. Shaker 40 is commerciallyavailable from DEL Corporation under the trade name DELineator 5000Linear Shaker. System 10 may also include hydrocyclone assembly 42operatively positioned above and associated with shaker 40 so that theunderflow from hydrocyclone assembly 42 discharges onto shaker 40.Hydrocyclone assembly 42 may include four 10 inch gMAX hydrocyclonesequipped with 1 inch-2¼ inch apexes. Hydrocyclone assembly 42 iscommercially available from Krebs Engineering, Inc.

Again with reference to FIGS. 1-4, system 10 may also include shaker 44supported by and operatively positioned on upper platform 16 partiallyabove the rearward section of processing tank 30 and the forward sectionof overflow tank 32. Shaker 44 may be a linear shaker. Shaker 44 mayhave about 50 ft.² of screening area and may be equipped one or morescreen panels sized with 1 to 400 mesh screens. Shaker 44 iscommercially available from DEL Corporation under the trade nameDELineator 5000 Linear Shaker. System 10 may also include hydrocycloneassembly 46 operatively positioned above and associated with shaker 44so that the underflow from hydrocyclone assembly 46 discharges ontoshaker 44. Hydrocyclone assembly 46 may include fourteen 4 inch CAVEX100 CVX hydrocyclones equipped with 10 mm-30 mm apexes. Hydrocycloneassembly 42 is commercially available from The Weir Group.

With further reference to FIGS. 1-4, system 10 may include agitator unit48 operatively positioned at the rearward section of upper platform 16.Agitator unit 48 operates to rotate agitator 50 (blade and shaft) thatextends into internal area 52 of overflow tank 32 (see FIG. 8). Agitator50 rotates to keep any fine solids in suspension within the clean fluidcontained within overflow tank 32.

FIGS. 1-4 also depict that system 10 may include centrifuge suctionoutlet 33 and spray bar pump suction outlet 35 at rearward side 100 ofcontainment vessel 28, and more specifically, in overflow tank 32.Overflow tank 32 may also include overflow outlet 182. While overflowoutlet 182 is shown on the rearward side 100 of vessel 28, it is to beunderstood that overflow outlet 182 may be placed in any location onoverflow tank 32, and more particularly, at or near top 112.

As also seen in FIGS. 1-4, system 10 may include vacuum degasser unit 54positioned on and supported by upper platform 16 at its forward end.Degasser unit 54 is commercially available from Process SolutionsInternational (PSI) under the trade name Vacuum Degasser. System 10 mayalso include monitoring station 56 also positioned on and supported byupper platform 16 at its forward end. Monitoring station 56 may containinstrumentation and electronics for operating system 10 or formonitoring the operation of system 10. For example, monitoring station56 may contain one or more touch screen panels for displaying datarelating to the operation of equipment and processing of fluid by system10. System 10 may also include control room 58 that is operativelyassociated with all mechanical and electrical equipment responsible forprocessing fluid and removing solids as part of the operation of system10. Control room 58 may contain VFD breaker panels and starter boxes.Control room 58 may also contain computers and other similar type ofequipment configured to operate the mechanical and electrical equipmentassociated with system 10.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, system 10 may include desilter pump 60.Desilter pump 60 may generate a maximum flow rate of about 1200 gpm.Desilter pump 60 is commercially available from PSI under trade nameCentrifugal Pump. System 10 may also include spray bar pump 62. Spraybar pump 62 may generate a maximum flow rate of about 300 gpm. Spray barpump 62 is commercially available from PSI under trade name CentrifugalPump. System 10 may also include primary desander pump 64. Primarydesander pump 64 may generate a maximum flow rate of about 1800 gpm.Primary desander pump 64 is commercially available from PSI under tradename Centrifugal Pump. System 10 may also include standby desander pump66, which functions as a backup should primary desander pump 64 becomenon-operational. Pipe 67 fluidly interconnects primary desander pump 64and standby desander pump 66. Standby desander pump 66 may generate amaximum flow rate of about 1800 gpm. Standby desander pump 66 iscommercially available from PSI under trade name Centrifugal Pump.

FIG. 2 shows auger drive unit 68 that functions to operate and rotateshaftless auger 70 that is shown in FIGS. 6-7. Auger drive unit 68(which has a shaft operatively connected to auger 70) operates at rangeof 0 to 25 rpms. Auger drive unit 68 is commercially available from SEWEurodrive (the gear reducer component) and from Weg Electric Corporation(the electrical motor component). Auger 70 is commercially availablefrom Falcon Industries, Inc. under the trade name Shaftless ScrewConveyor.

FIG. 2 also shows degasser/gun line pump 72. Degasser/gun line pump 72may generate a maximum flow rate of about 1000 gpm. Degasser/gun linepump 72 is commercially available from PSI under trade name CentrifugalPump.

FIG. 2 also reveals that system 10 may include spray bar manifold 74that is in fluid communication with spray bar pump 62 to distributeclean fluid from overflow tank 32 to spray bar 154 operativelyassociated in the bed of each of shakers 34, 36, 40, 44 as will bedescribed herein. Spray bar manifold 74 is also in fluid communicationwith one or more spray bars (not shown) operatively connected to a spraybar rack (not shown) comprising the upper frame of each of shakers 34,36, 40, 44, which contain downward extending nozzles that spray cleanfluid delivered from overflow tank 32 onto the shaker screens. A flowline (not shown) extending from each of the spray bar racks may connectto spray bar manifold 74 to provide the clean fluid to the spray barracks. Each spray bar rack may contain a flow line operatively connectedto respective spray bars 154 that flows the clean fluid from the spraybar rack to spray bar 154.

With reference to FIG. 3, primary desander pump 64 may be in fluidcommunication with hydrocyclone assembly 42 through pipe 76. Desilterpump 60 may be in fluid communication with hydrocyclone assembly 46through pipe 78.

FIG. 4 shows that the overflow from hydrocyclone assembly 42 is in fluidcommunication with tank 30 through pipe 80 that deposits the overflowinto possum belly 124. The overflow from hydrocyclone assembly 46 is influid communication with overflow tank 32 through pipe 82. Degasser/gunline pump 72 may be in fluid communication with eductor 88 (as seen inFIG. 5) through pipe 84. Eductor 88 is a jet pump. Eductor 88 iscommercially available from PSI and constitutes part of the degasserunit package.

As seen in FIG. 5, fluid pumped through pipe 84 to eductor 88 causeseductor 88 to produce a Venturi effect, which in turn causes thesuctioning of fluid (gas cut mud) from processing tank 30 (at degassersuction zone 135 as will be explained herein) through pipe 85 todegasser unit 54. Fluid processed in degasser unit 54 (mud substantiallyfree of gas) flows from unit 54 through pipe 86 to possum belly 132 fordeposit into degassed mud zone 130. Pipe 84 may be fluidly connected togunline 90, which may return fluid pumped by degasser/gunline pump 72through pipe 84 back into processing tank 30 (for deposit in sand trapzone 128) through gunline 90.

Again with reference to FIG. 5, flow line inlet 38 leads to pipe 92 thatprovides fluid communication to shaker 34. Flow line inlet 38 also leadsto pipe 94 that provides fluid communication to shaker 36. Fluidentering inlet 38 may bypass shakers 34, 36 though bypass pipe 96 whichleads to outlet 98. Bypass pipe 96 may be used when the fluid enteringinlet 38 is cement that does not need to undergo processing to removesolids entrained therein. In this instance, a pipe (not shown) torecover the cement would be affixed to outlet 98 to transport the cementto a cement storage tank or earthen pit (not shown).

Fluids containing solids (such as drilling mud) entering system 10through flow line inlet 38 may selectively be flowed to either ofshakers 34, 36 or both of shakers 34, 36. The selective flow pattern maybe controlled by valves contained within pipes 92, 94, 96. When it isdesired for the fluid/solids to flow through one or both shakers 34, 36,a valve in bypass pipe 96 is actuated to close off fluid entry into pipe96. Valves within each of pipes 92, 94 may be selectively actuated toclose off or open fluid flow therethrough so that fluid/solids may bedirected to either one or both of shakers 34, 36. To direct thefluid/solids flow through bypass pipe 96, valves in pipes 92, 94 areactuated to close off entry and the valve in bypass pipe 96 is actuatedto the open position to permit fluid flow therethrough to outlet 98. Thevalves may be any suitable valve such as a butterfly valve or a gatevalve. The actuation of the valves may be controlled by the operator ofsystem 10 from monitoring station 56 and/or control room 58.

FIGS. 6-9 illustrate that containment vessel 28 may include rearwardside 100, frontward side 102, right side 104, and left side 106.Internal area 52 of overflow tank 32 is defined by inner surfaces ofrearward side 100, right side 104, left side 106, and overflow weir 108,which is operatively positioned transverse to right and left sides 104,106 and extends vertically from bottom 110 of processing tank 30 to top112, or in one embodiment described below, to a point below top 112.Overflow weir 108 may contain an opening that permits clean fluid inoverflow tank 32 to flow back into processing tank 30 at desilted mudzone 118. The opening may be configured in any suitable design. Forexample, the opening may be configured partially or completely along theupper edge to overflow weir 108. In this embodiment, overflow weir 108extends vertically from bottom 110 of processing tank 30 to a pointabout 6 to 12 inches below top 112. In another embodiment (shown in FIG.10), the opening may be configured as window 190. Window 190 have adimension of about 24″ by 16″ and start about 8″ the top edge ofoverflow weir 108. Window 190 may be placed in the upper section ofoverflow weir 108 and positioned on either the left or right side.Internal area 114 of processing tank 30 is defined by overflow weir 108and the inner surfaces of right side 104, left side 106, and frontwardside 102.

As shown in FIGS. 6-9, right and left sides 104, 106 of tank 30 may betapered in the direction towards bottom 110 so as to facilitate thedeposit of solids within the fluid contained in internal area 114 toseparate and fall by gravity to bottom 110. The taper angle of right andleft sides 104, 106 of tank 30 may be in the range of 50 degrees to 60degrees relative to the horizontal ground or bottom 110. Shaftless auger70 is operatively positioned at bottom 110 of tank 30 and extendssubstantially longitudinally along the length of tank 30 from overflowweir 108 to frontward side 102.

FIGS. 6-9 also reveal that internal area 114 of processing tank 30 mayinclude underflow baffle 116 operatively positioned transverse to rightand left sides 104, 106 and extends vertically from its proximal end attop 112 downward towards bottom 110. The distal end of underflow baffle116 terminates above bottom 110 by about 3 feet. Underflow baffle 116may be slanted in the direction of frontward side 102 at an angle in therange of 55 degrees to 60 degrees. Internal area 114 defined by overflowweir 108, right and left sides 104, 106, and underflow baffle 116 formdesilted mud zone 118.

Again with reference to FIGS. 6-9, internal area 114 of processing tank30 may include underflow baffle 120 operatively positioned transverse toright and left sides 104, 106 and extends vertically from its proximalend at top 112 downwards towards bottom 110. The distal end of underflowbaffle 120 terminates above bottom 110 by about 3 feet. Underflow baffle120 may be slanted in the direction of frontward side 102 at an angle inthe range of 55 degrees to 60 degrees. Internal area 114 defined bybaffle 116, right and left sides 104, 106, and underflow baffle 120 formdesanded mud zone 122. Perforated possum belly 124 may be operativelypositioned adjacent underflow baffle 120 and within desanded mud zone122 at top 112 to uniformly distribute the desanded mud (as will beexplained herein) into desanded mud zone 122. Perforated possum belly124 is commercially available from DEL Corp. under the trade namePerforated Possum Belly.

FIGS. 6-9 further illustrate that internal area 114 of processing tank30 may include underflow baffle 126 operatively positioned transverse toright and left sides 104, 106 and extends vertically from its proximalend at top 112 downwards towards bottom 110. The distal end of underflowbaffle 126 terminates above bottom 110 by about 3 feet. Underflow baffle126 may be slanted in the direction of rearward side 100 at angle in therange of 55 degrees to 60 degrees. Internal area 114 defined by baffle120, right and left sides 104, 106 and baffle 126 form sand trap zone128.

FIGS. 6-9 also demonstrate that internal area 114 of processing tank 30defined by baffle 126, right and left sides 104, 106 and frontward side102 form degassed mud zone 130. Perforated possum belly 132 may beoperatively positioned between baffle 126 and frontward side 102 withindegassed mud zone 130 at top 112 to uniformly distribute the degassedmud (as will be explained herein) into degassed mud zone 130. Perforatedpossum belly 132 is commercially available from DEL Corp. under thetrade name Perforated Possum Belly.

FIGS. 6-9 also show a pair of underflow baffles 131, 133 in spaced apartarrangement within sand trap zone 128. Each of underflow baffles 131,133 is operatively positioned transverse to right and left sides 104,106 and extends vertically from its proximal end at top 112 downwardstowards bottom 110. Each of underflow baffles 131, 133 terminates abovebottom 110 by about 3.5 feet. Each of underflow baffles 131, 133 issubstantially perpendicular to bottom 110. Internal area 135 defined byunderflow baffle 131, right and left sides 104, 106, and underflowbaffle 133 forms degasser suction zone 135. As seen in FIG. 8, suctionpipe 85 contains an inlet 137 operatively positioned within degassersuction zone 135. Fluid contained within degasser suction zone 135 maybe suctioned through pipe 85 to degasser unit 54 as will be describedherein. All baffles used in tank 30 may be made of any durable materialsuch as metal (steel) or a hardened plastic or polymer material.

FIGS. 10 and 11A-11D depict linear shaker 44. Shaker 44 may include bed134. Bed 134 receives the underflow fluid or mud from the shaker screen.The shaker screen may include one or more screens that are sized topermit fluid to drain below the screen or screens (the underflow) andsolids to remain on the screen or screens where they dry and areconveyed across the screen or screens to chute 188, which when extended,will direct the solids from vessel 28 and into a cuttings tank (notshown). FIG. 10 shows shaker 44 containing five screens 136 a, 136 b,136 c, 136 d, 136 e. It is to be understood that shaker 44 could havemultiple screens having the same or different mesh sizes so as toseparate or remove different sized solid particles. For example, screens136 a-136 d may each have a mesh size of API 200 (62-89 microns) andscreen 136 e may have a mesh size of API 140 (105-115 microns).

Again with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11A-11D, shaker bed 134 may containbottom 156 and interconnecting sidewalls 158, 160, 162, 164. Bottom 156of shaker bed 134 may be contoured so as to direct the underflow fromscreens 136 a-136 e (fluid or mud) to one or more outlets. Bottom 156may be contoured into two sections 138 and 140. Section 138 captures theunderflow from the finer mesh sized screens and directs the underflow toan outlet that deposits the underflow into internal area 52 of overflow32. For example, section 138 may include tapered portions 142 a, 142 b,142 c configured to direct the underflow from screens 136 a-136 d tooutlet 146 that deposits the underflow into internal area 52 of overflowtank 32. Section 140 captures the underflow from the coarser mesh sizedscreen(s) and directs the underflow to an outlet that deposits theunderflow into desilted mud zone 118 of processing tank 30. For example,section 140 may include tapered portions 144 a, 144 b (partitioned fromsection 138 by shoulder 150) configured to direct the underflow fromscreen 136 e to outlet 148 that deposits the underflow into desilted mudzone 118 of processing tank 30.

FIG. 11D depicts that shaker 44 may include spray bar 154 at, near, oradjacent to side 160. As stated above, spray bar 154 receives cleanfluid pumped from overflow tank 32 which is delivered to spray bar 154by lines fluidly connected to the spray bar rack (not shown) and spraybar manifold 74 (not shown). Spray bar 154 contains a series of outletsthough which the clean fluid is sprayed into bed 134 to keep bed 134,and in particular bottom 156, substantially free from any solid buildup.It is to be understood that the same configuration of spray bar 154 maybe included in each of the beds of shakers 34, 36, 40.

With reference to FIG. 12, to operate system 10 after power is supplied,flow line 170 from the drilling rig or tank is operatively connected toflow line inlet 38. Equalizing/overflow line 176 is operativelyconnected to overflow outlet 182. Line 176 is in fluid communicationwith the rig tanks (not shown) that receive the clean fluid from system10. Mud system 10 is filled with fluid. Centrifuge feed pump 172 is influid communication with clean fluid line 184 that operatively connectsto outlet 33 (see FIGS. 1 and 12) of overflow tank 32. The operatorshould make sure that suction valves for primary desander pump 64,desilter pump 60, degasser/gun line pump 72, and spray bar pump 62 areopen. The operator should also make sure discharge valve on primarydesander pump 64 is open and suction and discharge valves on standbydesander pump 66 are closed. The operator activates shakers 34, 36, 40,and 44 at corresponding starter panels located on each side of each ofthe aforesaid shakers. The operator activates agitator unit 48 to beginrotation of agitator 50 within overflow tank 32. The operator opens avalve operatively associated with the spray bar rack on each shakerbefore activating spray bar pump 62. The remote start/stop station forspray bar pump 62 is located on a touchscreen in monitoring station 56.Spray bar pump 62 recirculates clean fluid from overflow tank 32 to theupper spray bars and spray bar 154 in bed 134 of each of shakers 34, 36,40, 44. The valve supplying flow to each spray bar rack must be open anytime spray bar pump 62 is activated to thereby ensure that flow isconstantly supplied to bed 134 of shakers 34, 36, 40, 44 so as tominimize solids build up and to prevent deadheading spray bar pump 62,which will cause the mechanical seal to fail.

Again with reference to FIG. 12, the operator activates primary desanderpump 64 at the remote start/stop station located on top of starter panelon shaker 40. The operator monitors pump pressure at a gauge on top ofhydrocyclone manifold for hydrocyclone assembly 46 or at a touchscreenpanel located in monitoring station 56. Gauge pressure should bemaintained between 15-20 psi. For initial operation, pressure should beset at 20 psi. If any screen flooding is experienced, the operatorshould reduce pressure as needed. In the event that primary desanderpump 64 does not operate or does not operative effectively, standbydesander pump 66 may be put into operation to replace pump 64. To usestandby desander pump 66, the operator activates the switch located incontrol room 58 next to standby desander pump VFD to standby pump. Theoperator closes the suction and discharge valves to primary desanderpump 64 and opens the suction and discharge valve to standby desanderpump 66. Once this is done, standby desander pump 66 can be activated atthe remote start/stop station located on top of starter panel on shaker40. The speed, amperage, and pressure of standby desander pump 66 can bemonitored at the touch screen panel in monitoring station 56. The speedof pump 66 can be adjusted on the touch screen panel.

With further reference to FIG. 12, the operator activates desilter pump60 at remote start/stop station located on top of the shaker starterpanel on the side of shaker 44. The operator may monitor pump pressureat a gauge on top of a desilter manifold or at the touch screen panellocated in monitoring station 56. Pressure may be adjusted by adjustingthe pump speed at the touch screen panel. Gauge pressure should bemaintained between 25-30 psi. For initial operation, set pressure at 30psi. If any screen flooding is experienced, the operator may reducepressure as needed.

With further reference to FIG. 12, auger 70 will start automaticallywhen primary desander pump 64 (or standby desander pump 66) isenergized. The operator should walk to front of tank 30 and inspectauger 70 at gearbox (auger drive unit 68) to confirm auger 70 is turningin a clockwise rotation and that no leaking is occurring at the shaftseal of the auger drive unit 68. If there is any leaking of fluid aroundthe shaft of auger drive unit 68, an injectable packing gun may be usedto inject packing until leaking stops. Confirm auger motor rpm at touchscreen panel located in monitoring station 56. Auger motor should be setat 900 rpm for normal operation. This will result in 12.5 rpm on auger70 itself. Auger motor amperage will typically run between 9.5-10.5amps. If amperage increases to 14 amps or more, the auger motor rpmshould be increased at the touch screen panel to 1200 rpm in order todecrease the load on the auger screw 70 by conveying the settled solidsto the pump suction faster. Once the heavy load has been eliminated, theauger motor speed should be returned to 900 rpm.

Once drilling commences and returns containing solids enter system 10through flowline 170, mud will begin to be selectively discharged ontoone or both of shakers 34, 36 from possum bellies in the shakers. Thescalping shakers 34, 36 are typically equipped with 0.65 mm polyscreens. As solids are conveyed to the end of shakers 34, 36, they willbe released down the shaker slide 186 and into the cuttings box (notshown). The incline of the shaker deck of shakers 34, 36 can be adjustedwith the shaker jacking system from −2 degrees to +5 degrees in order toachieve the desired conveyance and maximum dryness of cuttings. In mostcases, with 0.65 mm screens installed on scalping shakers 34, 36, onlyone scalping shaker is required to handle 800 gpm from flow line 170. Itis up to the operator to decide based on the cuttings and thickness ofthe mud if one or both scalping shakers 34, 36 are to be used.

When cuttings begin to appear on scalping shaker 34, 36, solids willshortly begin to be discharged out the bottom of the desander anddesilter hydrocyclone assemblies 42, 46 and onto the correspondingshakers 40, 44 where the solids are conveyed to the end of shakers 40,44 and will release down the shaker slides 186 (see FIG. 10) and into acuttings box (not shown). The incline of the shaker deck for shakers 40,44 can be adjusted with the shaker jacking system from 0 degrees to +5degrees in order to achieve the desired conveyance and maximum drynessof cuttings.

If gas cut mud is detected, vacuum degasser unit 54 should be utilized.The operator should start degasser unit 54. The operator should makesure both valves on the discharge line of degasser/gun line pump 72 areopen, both to the degasser jet (eductor 88) and to the gunline (pipe90). The discharge valve on the degasser unit 54 should also be open.The operator activates the degasser pump 72 at the remote start/stopstation located on the vacuum degasser unit 54 to the right of thevacuum pump starter. Once the pump is running, the operator slowlycloses the valve to the gunline 90 and leaves the valve to the jet 88open. The vacuum degasser unit 54 is now fully operating and shouldcontinue to operate until gas cut mud is no longer a problem. Once gascut mud is eliminated, the operator deactivates degasser unit 54 anddegasser pump 72. Open the valve to the gunline 90 and close the valveto the degasser jet 88.

With the entire system 10 now running, the operator should continuallymonitor each shaker 34, 36, 40, 44 and the cuttings each is dischargingto insure the maximum dryness is being achieved. The shaker screensshould be cleaned and checked for holes once every hour to insuremaximum screen life, cleaner mud, and drier cuttings. Also, the operatorshould monitor pump and auger amperages at the touch screen panelperiodically. The operator should also monitor desander and desilterhydrocyclone discharge periodically to insure no roping or pluggingoccurs. If drilling stops and no flow is coming over the scalpingshakers 34, 36, then the desander (hydrocyclone assembly 42) and thedesilter (hydrocyclone assembly 46) should be allowed to run until thereare minimal solids coming across the screens. Only then can the desanderand desilter 42, 46 be shut down.

If a weighted mud is being used, then during the time the rig is notdrilling, the desander pump 64 should be run periodically (once everyhour) for 2 or 3 minutes in order to resuspend any settled barite. Thedesander and desilter pumps 64, 60 must be turned on before drillingcommences. The gunline 90 can also be used temporarily in conjunctionwith the desander pump 64 to resuspend any barite. To turn on thegunline 90, the operator should confirm the valve to eductor 88 isclosed and the valve to gunline 90 is open. The degasser pump 72 can nowbe used to feed gunline 84. Turn on the degasser pump 72 at thestart/stop station located on the vacuum degasser unit 54 to the rightof the vacuum pump starter. The operator can monitor the speed andamperage of the degasser pump 72 at the touch screen panel located inmonitoring station 56 and adjust the speed as needed. The gunline 90should only be run for a minute or two. After gunline 90 is turned off,allow the desander pump 64 to run until there are minimal solids comingacross the screen.

Again with reference to FIG. 12, mud from flow line 170 is selectivelydistributed to one or both of scalping shakers 34, 36, each havingapproximately 50 square feet of screening area and typically equippedwith 0.65 mm polyurethane screen panels. The solids that are captured onscalping shakers 34, 36 are dewatered (dried) and conveyed off the sideof processing tank 30 into a cuttings box/tank (not shown). The mud andsolids that pass through the screens of scalping shakers 34, 36 entersand trap zone 128, which is created by two tilted plate underflowbaffles 120, 126. In the middle of sand trap zone 128, degasser suctionzone 135 is established by two vertical underflow baffles 131, 133. Theheavy solids remaining in the mud from the underflow of scalping shakers34, 36 settle to bottom 110 of tank 30 and are conveyed by shaftlessauger 70 to degassed mud zone 130 and suctioned via primary desanderpump 64 from tank 30 and pumped through pipe 76 to hydrocyclone assembly42. The solids laden slurry flows to hydrocyclone assembly 42 (4-10″gMAX hydrocyclones equipped with 1″-2¼″ apexes) at a rate up to 1,800gpm. The underflow of the 4-10″ gMAX hydrocyclones discharges onto alinear shaker 40 where they are dewatered and conveyed off the side oftank 30 to a cuttings box/tank (not shown).

With still further reference to FIG. 12, the overflow from the 4-10″gMAX hydrocyclones (hydrocyclone assembly 42) discharges into perforatedpossum belly 124, which uniformly distributes the desanded mud intodesanded mud zone 122. The underflow of linear shaker 40 also dischargesinto desanded mud zone 122. The mud that enters desanded mud zone 122 isthen pumped by desilter pump 60 through pipe 78 to hydrocyclone assembly46 (14-4″ hydrocyclones) at a rate of approximately 1200 gpm. Theunderflow of the 14-4″ hydrocyclones discharges onto linear shaker 44where they are dewatered and conveyed off the side of tank 30 to acuttings box/tank (not shown).

The overflow from the 14-4″ CAVEX 100 CVX hydrocyclones (hydrocycloneassembly 46) discharges into agitated overflow tank 32 through pipe 82,which is separated from tank 30 by overflow weir 108. The desilted mudbackflows over overflow weir 108 into desilted mud zone 118 of tank 30at a rate equal to the combined overflow and underflow rate of the 14-4″CAVEX 100 CVX hydrocyclones (hydrocyclone assembly 46) minus the flowrate through flow line 170. For example, if the flow rate through theflow line 170 is 800 gpm and the combined overflow and underflow rate ofthe 14-4″ CAVEX 100 CVX hydrocyclones is 1,200 gpm, then 400 gpm ofdesilted mud will backflow into desilted mud zone 118 of tank 30. Theremaining 800 gpm either equalizes with the rest of the mud systemthrough overflow line 176 or is processed through centrifuge pump 172 tocentrifuge 192 where fine solids may be separate from the clean fluidbefore the clean fluid is flowed to the rig tank.

If gas cut mud is detected and the use of degasser unit 54 is required,then mud from desilted mud zone 118 will be pumped to degasser eductor88 by degasser pump 72, which due to a Venturi effect produced byeducator 88, will cause suction pipe 85 to suck gas cut mud fromdegasser suction zone 135 through suction pipe 85 to degasser unit 54.The degassed mud processed in the degasser unit 54 will be dischargedthrough pipe 86 into perforated possum belly 132, which uniformlydistributes the degassed mud into degassed mud zone 130. Any settledsolids in sand trap zone 128 and degassed mud zone 130 are conveyed byshaftless auger 70 to suction pipe 178 of primary desander pump 64,which is located in degassed mud zone 130.

Any solids that settle in desanded mud zone 122 or desilted mud zone 118are conveyed to suction pipe 180 of desilter pump 60, which is locatedin desanded mud zone 122. Barite specifications require <3% greater thanAPI200 mesh; therefore, any barite that settles to the bottom of tank 30will report to the 14-4″ CAVEX 100 CVX hydrocyclones (hydrocycloneassembly 46) underflow and will be recovered when it passes through theappropriately sized screens, on linear shaker 44, into agitated overflowtank 32.

FIG. 13 depicts another embodiment of upper platform 16. In thisembodiment, upper platform 16 is composed of upper platform sectionssupporting one or more of the equipment of system 10. For example, upperplatform may consist of six modular upper platform sections 16 a-16 f.Section 16 a may support equipment such as auger drive unit 68 (notshown). Section 16 b may support shaker 44 and hydrocyclone assembly 46.Section 16 c may support shaker 40 and hydrocyclone assembly 42. Section16 d may support shaker 36. Section 16 e may support shaker 34. Section16 f may support degasser unit 54 and monitoring station 56. Sections 16a-16 f are placed in operative position on the upper frame of bottomskid frame 14 and detachably connected to the upper frame by any meanssuitable to maintain sections 16 a-16 f in place during operation ofsystem 10. For example, sections 16 a-16 f may be bolted to the upperframe of bottom skid frame 56.

System 10 achieves more efficient separation of solids from drilling mudand thus eliminates the need for drying shakers. The cuttings separatedby system 10 are dryer. System 10 achieves operational savings on mudand disposal costs.

While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described, it isto be understood that the embodiments described are illustrative onlyand that the scope of the invention is to be defined solely by theappended claims when accorded a full range of equivalence, manyvariations and modification naturally occurring to those skilled in theart from a perusal hereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for separating solids from a fluidstream comprising: a containment vessel having a front sidewall, a rearsidewall, a left sidewall, and a right sidewall, the containment vesselincluding an open top and a closed bottom, the containment vessel beingdivided by an overflow weir into a processing tank and an overflow tank,the overflow weir extending from the bottom of the vessel to the top ofthe vessel and containing an opening so that a clean fluid substantiallyfree of solids contained within the overflow tank may flow through theopening and into the processing tank, the processing tank having aV-shape; the processing tank including a shaftless auger operativelypositioned at the bottom of the vessel and extending substantially theentire length of the processing tank, the auger being configured torotate in a direction that transports solids collected at the bottom ofthe processing tank towards the front sidewall of the vessel; theprocessing tank including a desilted mud zone defined by the overflowweir and a first underflow baffle operatively positioned transverse tothe left and right sides of the vessel and extending from the top of thevessel to a point above the bottom of the vessel; the processing tankincluding a desanded mud zone defined by the first underflow baffle anda second underflow baffle operatively positioned transverse to the leftand right sides of the vessel and extending from the top of the vesselto a point above the bottom of the vessel; the processing tank includinga sand trap zone defined by the second under flow baffle and a thirdunderflow baffle operatively positioned transverse to the left and rightsides of the vessel and extending from the top of the vessel to a pointabove the bottom of the vessel; the processing tank including a degassedmud zone defined by the third underflow baffle and the front sidewall ofthe vessel; a scalping shaker operatively positioned above the top ofthe vessel over the sand trap zone of the processing tank, the scalpingshaker configured to receive a first fluid containing solids and toprocess the first fluid containing solids to partially separate solidsfrom the fluid and to produce a first underflow fluid containing solidsthat is deposited into the sand trap zone of the processing tank; afirst linear shaker operatively positioned above the top of the vesselover the desanded mud zone of the processing tank; a first hydrocycloneassembly operatively positioned above the first linear shaker, the firsthydrocyclone assembly configured to receive a second fluid containingsolids pumped from the degassed mud zone and to process the second fluidcontaining solids to partially separate solids from the fluid and toproduce a first overflow fluid containing solids that is deposited intothe desanded mud zone of the processing tank and a second underflowfluid containing solids that is deposited onto the first linear shakerfor processing to partially separate solids from the fluid and toproduce a third underflow fluid containing solids that is deposited intothe desanded mud zone of the processing tank; a second linear shakeroperatively positioned above the top of the vessel partially over thedesilted mud zone of the processing tank and partially over the overflowtank; a second hydrocyclone assembly operatively positioned above thesecond linear shaker, the second hydrocyclone assembly configured toreceive a third fluid containing solids pumped from the desanded mudzone of the processing tank and to process the third fluid containingsolids to separate solids from the fluid and to produce an overflowfluid comprising the clean fluid substantially free of solids that isdeposited into the overflow tank and a fourth underflow fluid containingsolids that is deposited onto the second linear shaker for processing toseparate solids from the fluid and to produce an underflow comprisingthe clean fluid substantially free of solids that is deposited into theoverflow tank.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and secondunderflow baffles are slanted in the direction towards the frontsidewall of the vessel and the third baffle is slanted in the directiontowards the rear sidewall of the vessel.
 3. The system of claim 1,wherein the overflow tank includes an agitator to maintain a fine solidsin suspension within the clean fluid substantially free of solidscontained within the overflow tank.
 4. The system of claim 3, whereinthe overflow tank includes an outlet for flow of the clean fluidsubstantially free of solids from the overflow tank to a rig tank. 5.The system of claim 1, wherein the first hydrocyclone assembly includesfour 10 inch hydrocyclones equipped with 1 inch-2¼ inch apexes and thesecond hydrocyclone assembly includes fourteen 4 inch hydrocyclonesequipped with 10 mm-30 mm inch apexes.
 6. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising a second scalping shaker operatively positioned above the topof the vessel over the sand trap zone of the processing tank, the secondscalping shaker configured to receive the first fluid containing solidsand to process the first fluid containing solids to partially separatesolids from the fluid and to produce a fifth underflow fluid containingsolids that is deposited into the sand trap zone of the processing tank.7. The system of claim 1, wherein the processing tank further includes adegasser suction zone defined by a pair of spaced apart baffles eachoperatively positioned transverse to the left and right sides of thevessel and extending from the top of the vessel to a point above thebottom of the vessel, the system further comprising: a degasser unitconfigured to receive a gas cut fluid suctioned from the degassersuction zone, the degasser unit processing the gas cut fluid to remove agas from the gas cut fluid to produce a substantially gas free fluidthat is deposited into the degassed mud zone of the processing tank; aneductor configured to receive and pump a processed fluid from thedesilted mud zone of the processing tank and to produce a suction forcecausing the degasser unit to receive the gas cut fluid from the degassersuction zone.
 8. The system of claim 7, further comprising: a firstperforated possum belly operatively positioned at the top of the vesselwithin the desanded mud zone of the processing tank, the firstperforated possum belly configured to receive the first overflow fluidcontaining solids from the first hydrocyclone assembly and to uniformlydistribute the first overflow containing solids within the desanded mudzone of the processing tank; a second perforated possum bellyoperatively positioned at the top of the vessel within the degassed mudzone of the processing tank, the second perforated possum bellyconfigured to receive the substantially gas free fluid from the degasserunit and to uniformly distribute the substantially gas free fluid withinthe degassed mud zone of the processing tank.
 9. A system for separatingsolids from a fluid stream comprising: a frame assembly including abottom skid frame and an upper platform interconnected by a plurality ofvertical support posts; a containment vessel operatively supported bythe bottom skid frame, the containment vessel having a front sidewall, arear sidewall, a left sidewall, and a right sidewall, the containmentvessel including an open top and a closed bottom, the containment vesselbeing divided by an overflow weir into a processing tank and an overflowtank, the overflow weir extending from the bottom of the vessel to thetop of the vessel and containing an opening so that a clean fluidsubstantially free of solids contained within the overflow tank may flowthrough the opening and into the processing tank, the processing tankhaving a V-shape; the processing tank including a shaftless augeroperatively positioned at the bottom of the vessel and extendingsubstantially the entire length of the processing tank, the auger beingconfigured to rotate in a direction that transports solids collected atthe bottom of the processing tank towards the front sidewall of thevessel; the processing tank including a desilted mud zone defined by theoverflow weir and a first underflow baffle operatively positionedtransverse to the left and right sides of the vessel and extending fromthe top of the vessel to a point above the bottom of the vessel; theprocessing tank including a desanded mud zone defined by the firstunderflow baffle and a second underflow baffle operatively positionedtransverse to the left and right sides of the vessel and extending fromthe top of the vessel to a point above the bottom of the vessel; theprocessing tank including a sand trap zone defined by the second underflow baffle and a third underflow baffle operatively positionedtransverse to the left and right sides of the vessel and extending fromthe top of the vessel to a point above the bottom of the vessel; theprocessing tank including a degassed mud zone defined by the thirdunderflow baffle and the front sidewall of the vessel; a first scalpingshaker operatively supported by the upper platform, the first scalpingshaker being operatively positioned above the top of the vessel over thesand trap zone of the processing tank, the scalping shaker configured toreceive a first fluid containing solids and to process the first fluidcontaining solids to partially separate solids from the fluid and toproduce a first underflow fluid containing solids that is deposited intothe sand trap zone of the processing tank; a first linear shakeroperatively supported by the upper platform, the first linear shakerbeing operatively positioned above the top of the vessel over thedesanded mud zone of the processing tank; a first hydrocyclone assemblyoperatively positioned above the first linear shaker, the firsthydrocyclone assembly configured to receive a second fluid containingsolids pumped from the degassed mud zone and to process the second fluidcontaining solids to partially separate solids from the fluid and toproduce a first overflow fluid containing solids that is deposited intothe desanded mud zone of the processing tank and a second underflowfluid containing solids that is deposited onto the first linear shakerfor processing to partially separate solids from the fluid and toproduce a third underflow fluid containing solids that is deposited intothe desanded mud zone of the processing tank; a second linear shakeroperatively supported by the upper platform, the second linear shakerbeing operatively positioned above the top of the vessel partially overthe desilted mud zone of the processing tank and partially over theoverflow tank; a second hydrocyclone assembly operatively positionedabove the second linear shaker, the second hydrocyclone assemblyconfigured to receive a third fluid containing solids pumped from thedesanded mud zone of the processing tank and to process the third fluidcontaining solids to separate solids from the fluid and to produce anoverflow fluid comprising the clean fluid substantially free of solidsthat is deposited into the overflow tank and a fourth underflow fluidcontaining solids that is deposited onto the second linear shaker forprocessing to separate solids from the fluid and to produce an underflowcomprising the clean fluid substantially free of solids that isdeposited into the overflow tank.
 10. The system of claim 9, furthercomprising a second scalping shaker operatively supported by the upperplatform, the second scalping shaker being operatively positioned abovethe top of the vessel over the sand trap zone of the processing tank,the second scalping shaker configured to receive the first fluidcontaining solids and to process the first fluid containing solids topartially separate solids from the fluid and to produce a fifthunderflow fluid containing solids that is deposited into the sand trapzone of the processing tank.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein theprocessing tank further includes a degasser suction zone defined by apair of spaced apart baffles each operatively positioned transverse tothe left and right sides of the vessel and extending from the top of thevessel to a point above the bottom of the vessel, the system furthercomprising: a degasser unit operatively supported by the upper platform,the degasser unit configured to receive a gas cut fluid suctioned fromthe degasser suction zone, the degasser unit processing the gas cutfluid to remove a gas from the gas cut fluid to produce a substantiallygas free fluid; an eductor configured to receive and pump a processedfluid from the desilted mud zone of the processing tank and to produce asuction force causing the degasser unit to receive the gas cut fluidfrom the degasser suction zone.
 12. The system of claim 11, furthercomprising: a first perforated possum belly operatively positioned atthe top of the vessel within the desanded mud zone of the processingtank, the first perforated possum belly configured to receive the firstoverflow fluid containing solids from the first hydrocyclone assemblyand to uniformly distribute the first overflow containing solids withinthe desanded mud zone of the processing tank; a second perforated possumbelly operatively positioned at the top of the vessel within thedegassed mud zone of the processing tank, the second perforated possumbelly configured to receive the substantially gas free fluid from thedegasser unit and to uniformly distribute the substantially gas freefluid within the degassed mud zone of the processing tank.
 13. Thesystem of claim 9, further comprising a stair assembly operativelyconnected to the upper platform to provide an operator access to theupper platform.
 14. The system of claim 13, further comprising a railingsubstantially extending around a periphery of the upper platform. 15.The system of claim 14, further comprising a roof operatively connectedto the upper platform by a plurality of vertical support posts.
 16. Thesystem of claim 15, wherein the roof is configured to be detachable fromthe upper platform.
 17. The system of claim 15, wherein the verticalsupport posts connecting the roof to the upper platform are configuredto be telescoping to permit the raising and lower of the verticalsupport posts relative to the upper platform.
 18. The system of claim 9,further comprising a control room containing equipment to operate thecontainment vessel, the scalping shaker, the first linear shaker, thefirst hydrocyclone assembly, the second linear shaker, the secondhydrocyclone assembly, or any combination thereof.
 19. The system ofclaim 18, further comprising a monitoring station positioned on theupper platform containing a display screen to operate or monitor thefunctioning of the system.
 20. The system of claim 9, wherein the upperplatform comprises a plurality of individual platforms and wherein thescalping shaker, the first linear shaker, and the second linear shakerare each supported by one of the plurality of individual platforms.